Passport 6 Month Rule Europe
Passport validity rules for EU / Schengen Area
Heading to France, Spain, Germany, Italy or anywhere in the Schengen Area? Your passport must clear two rules — and one of them surprises a lot of British travellers.
The rule
Valid for 3 months beyond intended departure, and issued within the last 10 years.
EU / Schengen Area check
Can I travel to EU / Schengen Area?
Valid for 3 months beyond intended departure, and issued within the last 10 years.
Enter your passport dates above to see if you're good to go.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long must my passport be valid to travel to the EU or Schengen Area?
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area, AND it must have been issued within the last 10 years on the day you enter.
- What is the EU 10-year rule?
- Even if your passport hasn't expired, it cannot be more than 10 years old on the day you enter the Schengen Area. Some older UK passports were issued with extra months on top of 10 years — those extra months do not count for EU entry.
- Does the EU passport rule apply to the UK and Ireland?
- No. The UK and Ireland are not in the Schengen Area. Ireland requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay. The UK has the same requirement for visitors.
- What happens if my passport doesn't meet the EU rule?
- Airlines are required to deny boarding if you don't meet entry requirements, and border officials can refuse entry on arrival. Renew before you book non-refundable travel.
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- 27 European countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Norway and the Nordics. The same passport rule applies across all of them.
Related reading
The 6-month rule, explained
Why countries enforce it and how to tell if you meet it.
The "six-month club" countries
Full list of countries that strictly enforce the rule.
What happens if you're short
Denied boarding, refused entry — the real consequences.
Airlines vs border guards
Why your airline can refuse you boarding even when the country wouldn't.
All passport rules by country →
Browse every destination in one list.
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